“Hey friend! Don’t you hear the praises of the Lord in the Nãma sankirtana? How are you able to be in bed even after the sound of Nãma Sankirtana has fallen in your ears?

Nama Article 22^nd December 2014

 

ஆண்டாள் நாச்சியார் அருளிச்செய்த திருப்பாவை

 

கீசு கீசென்று எங்கும் ஆனைச் சாத்தன் கலந்து

     பேசின பேச்சரவம் கேட்டிலையோ பேய்ப் பெண்ணே

காசும் பிறப்பும் கலகலப்பக் கைபேர்த்து

     வாச நறுங்குழல் ஆய்ச்சியர் மத்தினால்

ஓசைப் படுத்த தயிர் அரவம் கேட்டிலையோ

     நாயகப் பெண் பிள்ளாய்! நாராயணன் மூர்த்தி

கேசவனைப் பாடவும் நீ கேட்டே கிடத்தியோ

     தேசமுடையாய்! திற ஏல் ஓர் எம்பாவாய்.

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on ThiruppAvai

 

'Nãyaga penn pillãi' - Now, we conduct 'adhyayana utsava' here in the evenings. What will everyone do if we do not? Sit at home and watch television. A boy behaves himself when alone but in a group he behaves very badly. There has to be someone to instigate ('pravartaka') one into doing something, good or bad. Ãndal tells this gopi, "You are an enthusiastic leader who creates eagerness in us. Krishna Bhakti swells up in your company. So please come, join us and kindle our Krishna bhakti." One should seek that company which will heighten our devotion. If one joins a bad company then the belief is lost. So never seek the company that will wipe away your bhakti. Flee from such a company as if fleeing from a house on fire! Seek that company which will give you Bhakti, unflinching faith ('drida vishwãsa') and trust ('nambikkai'). She calls the friend, "Come and speak to us in your 'gala, gala' ( a figure of speech for joyful chattering) style". Ãndãl sings, "Nãyagapp penpillãi! Nãrãyanan Murti Kesavanai"- referring to the three names of the Lord - Nãrãyana, Murti, Kesava.

 

Bhagavan is also known as Kesavan because he killed the asura named Kesi who attacked Bhagavãn in the form of a horse. 'Pãdavum nee kette kidathiyo? - Ãndãl calls out, "Hey friend! Don't you hear the praises of the Lord in the Nãma sankirtana? Should you not sing the Praise of such a glorious Lord? How are you able to be in bed even after the sound of Nãma Sankirtana has fallen in your ears?

 

'Thesa mudaiyãi' - She is one with Bhagavat bhakti. There is no doubt on that score. It also means one who has bolted the door from within. Here the Swamy explains that all those who live in close physical proximity of Mahãtmas need not necessarily possess 'jnãna' (knowledge). One may wonder, "How is it that those who live in close contact with the Mahãtma and have received His 'upadesa' still remain worldly?" That is because you who are close to Him should first of all entertain such a desire - (a desire to gain knowledge). Even if all the three and thirty crore Devas and all the 'archãvatãra'gods in the world bless you unless you entertain such a desire you cannot/will not gain Knowledge. You should yearn for Bhagavãn; you should yearn for liberation. Without deep yearning from your side no amount of Grace will work. So, you are the one who has bolted the door from within.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare